Context:
The Government of India has notified the historic Press & Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023 and its Rules in its Gazette and consequently the Act has come into force from March 2024. The old PRB Act, 1867 stands repealed.
Key highlights:
- According to the notification, the office of the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) shall carry out the functions of the erstwhile Registrar of Newspapers for India-RNI.
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the Press Sewa Portal (presssewa.prgi.gov.in) under the PRP Act 2023 to simplify the registration of newspapers and periodicals. It replaces the cumbersome manual procedures used under the colonial PRB Act of 1867.
Features of Press Sewa Portal:
- All applications for registration of periodicals are to be made online through the Press Sewa Portal. Paperless processing.
- E-sign facility and digital payment gateway.
- QR code-based digital certificates for instant download.
- Chatbot-based interactive grievance resolution mechanism.
- Publishers to register title before publishing.
- Application status updates through SMS and email for transparency and efficiency.
Key Significances:
- Press Sewa Portal replaces manual processes, providing publishers with a user-friendly online platform for registration.
- Paperless processing, digital payment options, and instant digital certificates enhance efficiency and transparency in the registration process.
- Guided online registration process reduces errors and ensures faster processing of applications.
- The launch of the Press Sewa Portal aligns with the Digital India initiative, promoting digitalization and ease of doing business.
- The PRP Act modernizes regulations, removing obsolete provisions and creating a conducive environment for publishers.